DeMarcus Lawrence nominated as Cowboys’ 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist

ESPN announced Monday that DeMarcus Lawrence is the Dallas Cowboys’ (9-3) nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Lawrence learned of his nomination courtesy of teammate and 2022 winner Dak Prescott, who surprised him at a recent community event.

According to NFL.com, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. A representative from each of the 32 teams is nominated and the winner is announced at the NFL Honors just days before the Super Bowl in February. The winner of the award each year receives $250,000 donated to the winner’s charity of choice. The other 31 nominees receive up to $40,000 donated to their charity of choice.

Lawrence, in his 10th season, continues to be a steady presence on the Cowboys’ defensive line. The 31-year-old has tallied 31 tackles (17 solo), seven tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three pass defenses and five quarterback hits in 12 games this season.